Big Barda: The Bold and Unyielding Warrior of Apokolips
Born on Apokolips and leader of the Female Furies, Big Barda is a relentless warrior and possessor of the Mega-rod. She embraces the possibility of rising above your origin and the importance of love.
Big Barda, a formidable figure in the DC Comics universe, first burst onto the scene in Mister Miracle #4 in 1971, a creation of the legendary Jack Kirby. From her initial appearance, Barda has stood out not only for her striking presence and immense strength but also for her compelling character arc that subverts the expectations of her origins. Born on the hellish world of Apokolips and raised among the elite warriors known as the Female Furies, Barda's story is one of defiance, love, and the search for freedom.
Origins: From Apokolips to Earth
Barda was born to Big Breeda and raised in Granny Goodness's terrifying orphanage on Apokolips, a place where cruelty and survival were the only teachings. Groomed to be a warrior, Barda quickly rose through the ranks to become the leader of the Female Furies, a group of elite female fighters serving under the despotic ruler Darkseid. Her life seemed predestined to follow the path of a brutal enforcer, yet her innate sense of justice and goodness, combined with the influence of a fellow prisoner named Scott Free (who would become the superhero Mister Miracle), set her on a different path.
Barda and Scott's relationship began in the darkest corners of Apokolips but became the catalyst for her rebellion. Influenced by Scott's idealism and desire for freedom, Barda helped him escape the clutches of Apokolips and soon followed him to Earth. Her love for Scott became a defining characteristic of her journey, making their relationship one of the most enduring and nuanced in comic book history. In Mister Miracle #18, Barda and Scott marry, and this union solidifies her place as a hero who values personal connections over her brutal upbringing.
Rejecting Her Role: A New God with a Different Destiny
Barda's defection from Apokolips is significant not just because of her rejection of Darkseid but also because of what it symbolizes. As one of the New Gods, she was meant to embody the harsh, warlike spirit of her home world, yet she chose to embrace love, freedom, and heroism instead. This rejection of her assigned role is powerful, especially within the context of the New Gods' mythos, where destiny and power often seem intertwined with one's birthright. Barda's choice to leave Apokolips behind and start anew on Earth speaks to the theme of self-determination, a common thread in Kirby's work.
Big Barda's isn’t merely the partner of Mister Miracle. She has joined forces with other heroes such as Black Canary, Huntress, and other heroines, showcasing her teamwork and leadership abilities outside of her partnership with Scott Free. Barda is adaptable and willing to collaborate, which contrasts with her earlier, more solitary existence as a warrior on Apokolips.
In Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle, Barda is more than a warrior, she is a hero. Facing battle she embraces the cost of leaving one's past behind and the dangers that constantly pursue her. She appears in crucial DC crossovers like Final Crisis, where she returns as a fierce combatant in the battle against Darkseid, reaffirm her resilience and importance to the DC universe.
In Tom King and Mitch Gerads' excellent Mister Miracle (2017-2018) series, Barda is portrayed with a depth that explores the complexities of her character further. The series examines her relationship with Scott Free under a modern lens, delving into their struggles as a couple while dealing with the ongoing threats from Apokolips. Here, Barda is not just a warrior but also a wife contemplating motherhood, adding layers to her character that make her even more relatable and multidimensional.
A Lasting Legacy
Big Barda remains an essential character in the DC Comics pantheon, not just for her physical prowess but for her defiance of a predestined path. As a New God who rejected her role, she embodies themes of resistance, love, and the quest for a better life. Her stories resonate because they blend high-stakes cosmic battles with deeply personal journeys. Through her relationship with Mister Miracle, her time with the Female Furies, and her stand against Darkseid, Barda shows that one's origins do not define their destiny. Her journey from the oppressive world of Apokolips to becoming a hero on Earth is a testament to the power of choice, making her one of the most compelling characters in the DC universe.
For Big Brada’s latest outing with the Birds of Prey, pick up Birds of Prey 1: Megadeath.
For Big Brada and Mister Miracle’s surreal journey into normal life as New Gods on Earth, try Tom King and Mitch Gerads' excellent Mister Miracle.
Support your local comic book shop.